Worcester City Council questions proposed ban on circus animals - Gate House

By Nick Kotsopoulos, TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

September 18. 2013 2:52PM

Worcester City Council questions proposed ban on circus animals

PHOTO/ T&G File Photo/STEVE LANAVA

Elephants await their turn on stage last year at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the DCU Center in Worcester.

WORCESTER — An effort to ban the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling shows and circuses that perform in the city has been sent back to where it originated for further study.

The City Council Tuesday night referred back to its Public Health and Human Services Committee a recommendation it made, asking the Law Department to review a "model ordinance" drafted by Born Free USA, a national animal advocacy group.

That ordinance calls for a prohibition on the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling shows and circuses.

The three-member committee, chaired by Councilor-at-Large Konstantina B. Lukes, also asked the administration to present to the City Council a proposed ordinance for the city that would be drafted along the lines of that model ordinance.

Under such an ordinance, a circus that features elephants, tigers, lions and chimpanzees in its acts would not be welcome in Worcester.

The move is in response to allegations made by animal rights activists who contend that circus animals are mistreated and are not properly cared for in some instances.

But Mayor Joseph M. Petty asked that the items be sent back to committee because of questions he and other councilors have about the impact of such a ban.

In particular, Mr. Petty said he would like information about the economic impact if circuses that have animal acts were not allowed to perform in the city.

The mayor also wants information on what safeguards are already in place for the animals when circuses come to Worcester and what role the state plays in monitoring the health and treatment of circus animals.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, which has been one of the more popular, family-friendly events held at the DCU Center each year since the arena opened in 1982, would not be allowed to perform in the city because it uses elephants, tigers and other animals as part of its show, according to Thomas L. Albert, vice president of government relations for Feld Entertainment Inc, the circus' parent company.

He said his company was never contacted or made aware that the council's Public Health and Human Services Committee was discussing the issue.

Mr. Albert said not only would the propose ban prevent Ringling Bros. from being able to return to Worcester, but it is "wholly unnecessary" because the care and handling of all animals in circuses are already subject to considerable and comprehensive federal, state and local animal welfare laws.

He said Ringling Bros. is required obtain a permit each year it comes to Worcester and is subject to inspection by local authorities.

He added that circuses are also required to obtain permits from the state Department of Fish and Game before entering Massachusetts.

"Like zoos, all circuses and traveling animal exhibitors are also licensed and regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are subject to unnanounced and regular inspections seven days a week to ensure compliance with all standards and regulations under the Animal Welfare Act," Mr. Albert said. "Over the years, Ringling Bros. has been inspected by both USDA and Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals while in Worcester."

Mr. Albert said Ringling Bros. has a team of full-time veterinarians and animal caregivers who oversee all aspects of the animals' care and well-being. As a result, he said, the circus' elephants tend to live significantly longer than their counterparts in zoos or the wild. Also, because elephants and tigers play a significant role in Ringling Bros.' circus performances, it is actively and directly involved with efforts to save the acts, he added. Ringling Bros. has 143 years of experience working with and caring for exotic animals. He said the circus performs in more than 125 cities, including Boston, Springfield, Hartford, Providence, Manchester, N.H., and New York City.

"We are very proud of our long and successful relationship with the city of Worcester and the DCU Center," Mr. Albert said.

Councilor Michael J. Germain asked if there are any cities that have such bans where the circuses continue to perform, only without the animal acts. He said he supports the concept of what has been proposed because of a "personal feeling and belief."

The motion to refer the matter back to committee was approved by an 8-2 vote, with Mrs. Lukes and District 4 Councilor Sarai Rivera voting in opposition. Councilor-at-Large Kathleen M. Toomey was not present when the vote was taken.

Councilor-at-Large Joseph C. O'Brien said he, too, would support such an ordinance. He said he had no problem, though, taking a little more time and referring the matter back to committee.

The Ringling Bros. circus returns to the DCU Center next month. Mrs. Lukes said what is being discussed was never intended to affect next month's circus shows at the DCU Center.